Report: Flacco's agent says Brady deal will have "no impact."

The Sports Xchange

The SportsXchangeFebruary 26, 2013

The agent for Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco told USA Today Sports Tuesday that Tom Brady's restructured deal with the New England Patriots won't impact his client's talks with the Ravens. "It doesn't matter. It's an extension for cap purposes. And we don't know all the details at this point," agent Joe Linta told USA Today. "The bottom line is, whether Brady took a pay cut or took $27 million a year, it wouldn't have an impact on what we're doing. We've determined a number that we think is fair with respect for the Ravens' cap situation." Brady and the Patriots agreed to a contract that runs through the 2017 season. Contrary to initial reports, he didn't exactly accept a home-town discount or leave millions on the table. The Patriots' franchise player will receive $57 million guaranteed, including a $30 million signing bonus and $1 million base salary in 2013. The Patriots accomplished a goal by reducing his scheduled salary cap charge from $43.6 million combined in 2013 and 2014. Not including incentives or escalators, Brady's cap charge dropped significantly to $28.6 million -- $13.8 million in 2013 and $14.8 million next season. As for Flacco, Linta told USA Today that talks are progressing. He said Flacco is willing to accept a deal that won't compromise the team's salary cap. "Joe absolutely wants to work with the Ravens to ensure that they're not impacted cap-wise," Linta told the paper. "Joe doesn't want to see anybody get cut as a result of this deal." The Super Bowl MVP can become an unrestricted free agent March 12, though the Ravens will likely place a franchise tag on Flacco if they fail to reach an agreement. Flacco, 28, threw for 22 touchdowns and 10 interceptions during the regular season, then completed 22 of 33 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns in the Super Bowl.